Cook Islands PM Defends Strategic Partnership with China Amid Tensions with New Zealand

Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, has publicly defended the nation's new strategic partnership with China, emphasizing the need for diversification of international partnerships to support a $650 million infrastructure development plan that New Zealand, he says, cannot fully fund alone. This statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, where the latter has paused over $18 million in core sector support funding in response to the Cook Islands' partnership with China.

Brown made the remarks while officially opening the 2025 Pa Enua Governance Forum at the USP Cook Islands Campus, where leaders from the outer islands gathered for the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands’ self-governance in free association with New Zealand. The event also coincided with the Te Maeva Nui festival, marking a significant moment in the Cook Islands’ history.

Addressing the diplomatic rift, Brown stated that New Zealand had not been consulted prior to the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership with China. However, he highlighted that New Zealand had previously signed a similar agreement with China, which reportedly brought in $60 billion in trade in exchange for relaxed visa requirements for Chinese visitors.

Brown emphasized that the Cook Islands must forge its own path and seek support from other nations to meet its infrastructure needs, stating that if New Zealand is unable to provide the necessary assistance, the Cook Islands will look elsewhere for help.

“There's not one dollar out of this partnership that will benefit us,” Brown said, addressing the mayors and council members at the forum. “We have to develop our partnerships with other larger countries to get the support we need to meet our infrastructure needs.”

According to Brown, the Cook Islands' infrastructure investment plan spans $650 million and includes projects in buildings, transportation, and other key sectors. He argued that New Zealand cannot afford to fund this initiative alone, and the Cook Islands must look to other nations for support.

“Let me set the record straight about the reality of life,” Brown said. “We need to build our infrastructure, we need to improve our standards in the Pa Enua. If we can’t get help from New Zealand, we will go somewhere else and look for that help, and that's what we've been doing.”

Brown also pointed out that in 1965, the Cook Islands had only one development partner, New Zealand. Today, the nation has over 70 development partners, including major global economies, showcasing its expanded international reach.

The 2025 Pa Enua Governance Forum brought together leaders from across the Pa Enua, government officials, outer island mayors, and other distinguished guests to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration between the outer islands and central governance. The forum was held under the theme “Akatinamou’anga I te itiki’anga Ora,” symbolizing unity, collaboration, and shared goals.

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter urged integrity and action in the public sector, emphasizing the need for impartiality, transparency, and accountability. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Pa Enua, including high living costs and limited employment opportunities, which have led to a loss of skilled workers and strains on local services.

Mayor of Atiu, Timaau Mokoroa, welcomed all attendees and thanked the Office of the Prime Minister for hosting the event. He highlighted the importance of the forum as a platform for addressing concerns and discussing the future of the Cook Islands.

“May we move forward in unity, grounded in Christ,” Mokoroa said. “Together we carry the weight of our islands, our people, but together we can also carry the weight that leads us forward.”

As the Cook Islands mark its 60th anniversary of self-governance, the nation continues to navigate its diplomatic and economic relationships, balancing its historical ties with New Zealand while forging new partnerships with global powers like China.